Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Looking for feedback on the importance of a numbers matching motor. My car is not a correct restoration as I have changed a few things. I know the vin and motor numbers never match. Given the opportunity to build the original or a donor motor, does it matter? The numbers motor has good compression and was running great until I dropped a valve seat. There was no damage to the pistons, with a valve job it would be fine. I could just do a refresh or custom rods and pistons, balance, porting, big valves etc.... I also have an additional motor in the car running and another I picked up of unknown condition. Sometimes having to many options is confusing. My goal is to have my roadster driveline in top condition so I can stop hoarding parts and sell off the stuff I don't need. All this is an effort to get my addiction under control and gain valuable space in my shop.
Seeking clarity from the group.
Whatcha Think
Keith

In most other Marques - it matters a lot. I would say in Roadster land it is less of an issue, looking at prices of SR20's and even OE type swaps (1600->2000) the market value does not seem to be affected too much. That said, I would certainly prefer to have the original motor if possible if I am trying to BUY an ORIGINAL car. Then the value is certainly higher with OE Engine, and is a must have if someone wants Concours Condition. So, I would keep the original engine, nicely and properly stored away, as is, for the decision to refresh or discard to go to any future buyer. If they don't want it, then you can always sell it separately down the road. And, in 5-10 years time or more, it will only gain in value as a part.

P.S. - I realize this does not really help with your ultimate goal of thinning the herd!

I'll be in Clemmons over Thanksgiving. Won't be bringing the roadster. Hope to see you if your around

Keith,
As you are staying with a U-20, I would keep it a matching numbers car and rebuild it with the original block. You could also keep just the engine block and then you would have the desired engine block to put it back to stock later if you wanted.
Dave

I'm with those suggesting you keep the original U20 (or at least keep it in the background for later on). As I prepare one of my cars for sale, I have been watching the market very carefully and while many people don't care about "numbers matching", it seems that the people who are collectors are always after originality with the #s match a big to-do. (Even if you plan to keep the car forever, always nice to know you have the original block around!) Just my $.02.

Ive been having a similar struggle in my desire to turn my numbers matching 68 into a race car. Even though it’s no longer the original color inside and out I still worry that I should be using a different car for my aspirations...

cktrap wrote: ↑Sat Sep 15, 2018 9:46 am I'll be in Clemmons over Thanksgiving. Won't be bringing the roadster. Hope to see you if your around

I'm always there then, look forward to seeing you.
Tom

The Porsche-guys say it’s a 10% ding on value for a non-matching motor...in their world. I think Datsuns are different. All else being equal, yes, original motor is the way to go. That being said, they’re not a lot of “equal” Roadsters out there in #2 condition, let alone “Concours” level ones. The ‘68 2000 with the competition kit that sold on BaT last month for $34k had a “replacement” engine. Would it have sold for $38k-$40k with an original engine? Maybe, but IMO I doubt it. I kind of chuckle when I see a Roadster for sale promoting its matching-numbers provenance, only to otherwise be a rusty POS.

I agree with J. Baker that condition is KING.
Only the block is "Numbers Matching".
Because replacement ID plates are common, its of less value. I have a 67.5 SPL with an ID for an FJ20.
I also have SRL311-00148 with a ID plate reflecting the engine which I know is not the original.
These are 50 year old cars with engine that were good for less than 100,000 miles on average.
I know its not of much help, but I would build both. At the very least rebuild the bottom end of the numbers matching motor and store correctly.
Parts of a quality rebuild are going up in cost.

Just my 2 cents

So I’ll just say this; I would keep it and stash it for the future value and I guess bragging rights.

But really I’m just laughing my ass off at you trying to get your addiction under control. I know friends are supposed to support those suffering from an addiction but I choose to be an enabler....Buy another roadster! Buy another roadster! But then of course I’ll help you, and feed my own addiction, by buying parts from you

Matthew

notoptoy wrote: ↑Sat Sep 15, 2018 2:11 pm

cktrap wrote: ↑Sat Sep 15, 2018 9:46 am I'll be in Clemmons over Thanksgiving. Won't be bringing the roadster. Hope to see you if your around

I'm always there then, look forward to seeing you.
Tom

That settles it. 311’s bbq at Tom’s!

Hmmm.... I may have to see about making a trip to the North Carolina then...

cole455 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 16, 2018 5:41 pm

notoptoy wrote: ↑Sat Sep 15, 2018 2:11 pm

cktrap wrote: ↑Sat Sep 15, 2018 9:46 am I'll be in Clemmons over Thanksgiving. Won't be bringing the roadster. Hope to see you if your around

I'm always there then, look forward to seeing you.
Tom

That settles it. 311’s bbq at Tom’s!

I’m not bringing the smoker this time but I’ll be bringing a couple of yetis full of it. I’ll bring you some.

You can never drive too far for good BBQ!!!